Malisa Rader
ISU Extension Family Life Program Specialist

515-832-9597
mrader@iastate.edu

Articles by this author:

Parents naturally are concerned for their children’s safety, particularly when there is news of a child abduction that happens close to home. Finding the balance between emotions and the “teachable moment” as parents talk to their children is important, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialist says.

It might be easy to assume that young ones are not impacted by tragic events in other parts of the country, but children have a keen sense of radar and pick up on adults’ body language, conversations, and news media stories. Malisa Rader, a family life program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, suggests parents be reassuring, monitor their TV viewing when children are present and watch for signs of stress in their children.

Whether or not Charlie Sheen has really given his last interview, his behavior may continue to be confusing, particularly to teens and preteens, says Malisa Rader, an Iowa State University Extension family life specialist.